Creative professionals aren’t looking for a handout. They’re willing to do the work in return for funds they’re given. They also know, however, that corporate programs to support the arts are dwindling. Also, corporate money comes with strings attached, and bold new voices that challenge conventional approaches aren’t given most private grants.

Besides, the issue isn’t really about the money. It’s about demonstrating an understanding of the value of artistic expression in a democratic society. By helping to push for cuts to arts programs while defending tax cuts for the rich, Mitt Romney has demonstrated that he thinks that the needs of millionaires and billionaires are more important than the needs of America’s artists.

Those priorities indicate a troubling disregard for the realm of ideas and free expression. Americans need a President who values artistic color more than the color of money. Mitt Romney can’t be that President, apparently.

That’s why this series of anti-Romney bumper stickers has been created: Musicians Against Romney, Writers Against Romney and Artists Against Romney.

In order to create that view, bloggers need to look themselves. Bloggers are some of the most dedicated seekers of information there are. Bloggers look for a new angle, for a subject other people haven’t written about. Bloggers question. They challenge.

As they gain experience doing so, bloggers get a special kind of training in detecting weak arguments and bogus claims of truth. Bloggers are some of the best people at finding deception. They pierce the veil of lies that covers the federal government in Washington D.C. Whether anyone else cares to look through the veil with them, they show the way to see.

That’s why I’m proud to be a blogger. In a time when many Americans have surrendered to apathy, bloggers are vigilant. Watching defeat after defeat, they get back up every day and give it another try.

Bloggers oppose politicians who act like bullies and try to squelch small voices. Bloggers oppose politicians who try to keep government secrets shut away from public view. Bloggers oppose politicians who consistently deceive American voters, but claim to be on some kind of “straight talk express”.

Bloggers can see through the hype. Bloggers are against the campaign of John McCain for President.